Return to Microwave Mountain

November 30th (Saturday) 

It was another cold, clear, beautiful morning. We packed our hot lunch, bundled up, and got ready to head out. We were heading back to microwave mountain, there were many more areas up there that we could explore, and also it was the last day of grouse-hunting season, and after having seen them three times yesterday, we thought it would be nice to have some grouse for dinner. We figured it was a win-win situation for us, whether we got one or not, it would be a beautiful day of hiking.

We decided to take Kiki over to the trail this time, and when went to get in there was frost over everything. We used our ice scraper, which we have for cleaning the bottom of our boat, to scrape off the frost from the seats. We then used a cloth to dust off the majority of it from the pontoons; the frost was about 1/4" thick. Our poor outboard was quite cold for starting, but once it was fully warmed up, we headed out.
Instead of going to the normal trailhead, we went to a beach area around the corner. We had checked this area out on the way back in our kayaks the previous day, and knew that it was an easy bushwhack up through thorny bushes to the trail. We had come prepared with our loppers. We pulled Kiki up onto the firm mud and tied her off. It worked well to bring her, as the tide was coming in all day. 

It was so obvious how high the last tide had been on the beach because there was a very clear line of frost on everything. All of the rocks and shells and seaweed were covered in frost crystals. 

We changed into our hiking boots and headed out. We cleared a trail up through the thorn bushes to the main trail and then continued on, stopping now and then to look around. Then, all of a sudden, the thudding noise of a grouse’s wings, and the sudden movement; a grouse flew up from the ground just off from the trail ahead of us. We watched it closely to see where it landed. If a grouse lands in a tree and you don't see where, it is almost impossible to spot it again. Their camouflage is so good, and they can remain motionless if they want to. We saw where this one landed and it was not too far away. Jason took the shot with the 22-calibre rifle, and the bird fell to the ground. It was a beautiful Blue Grouse. 

We carried on, and a ways further up the trail, once again a grouse flew up from in front of is. This one spooked sooner, and instead of flying off from the trail into a tree, it flew ahead and landed back on the trail. It then proceeded to walk instead of freeze. Jason followed it a bit, until he had a clear shot, it was a long shot, but he hit the mark. This one was a Ruffed Grouse. Two grouse would make an excellent dinner. 

When we came out onto the tundra-like terrain at the top, we stopped awhile to clean our birds.

Ruffed Grouse and Blue Grouse

Once cleaned we lay them in natures cooler in the shade on ice and enjoyed the view. 

We decided to explore some more before having lunch, as neither of us was hungry yet. 

We followed the tree line, but stayed out in the open, on the sunny side of the hill. Suddenly a grouse took off from almost right beside us. It must have frozen and we never even saw it, and then it probably spooked at the last second because we had stopped right beside it. Unfortunately this one flew too far, and around a corner, so we did not get to see where it landed. We followed its path back into the forest looking, but it was no use.

Sun and ice at the top of Microwave Mountain.

The view from Microwave Mountain.

After our picnic lunch, and some more exploring, we headed back down to Kiki. We were hopeful that we might spot another grouse on the way down, but we didn't. Oh well, two grouse was perfect anyway.
For dinner Jason seared the grouse, stuffed them with stuffing, draped pieces of bacon on top of them, and roasted them in the oven. He made gravy using the liver, hearts, and giblets, and we had mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. It was a full Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner production, and it was delicious!

Grouse ready to dress.

Grouse ready to cook.

Grouse ready to eat, with all of the trimmings.